He gave me this haircut earlier this week — it’s his second cut on an actual person (his first was also on me – a one-length). I’m loving this cut. I feel so sassy.

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That, friends, is an example of the blogosphere at its best and is why I do this. It’s amazing to connect with people from all over that you would never normally have the opportunity to meet.

I know it’s a cardinal sin of blogging to apologize for not posting; but I am sorry. Life suddenly got much harder than it has been, and I’ve been swamped with so much reality that my online life had to give for a while. But I do miss it. I’ve been keeping up with you all in my Google Reader — I’m sorry I haven’t been commenting like I normally try to do — and I do pop in on Twitter every now and then.

As things slowly settle, I promise my posts will be more regular again. Right now though, my work/life/blogging balance has shifted a bit. I’ll find the center alignment again soon.

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For my birthday, my hunny got me all the fixin’s to make and enjoy sushi … a book, sushi rice, rice vinegar, nori, a bamboo mat, chopsticks, etc. He even got cute new plates and dipping bowls. (‘Cause that’s how awesome he is, paying attention to such details!)

Tonight he picked up some fresh tuna and veggies, and we made our first attempt at making some spicy tuna rolls (well our version of them anyway). I made the spicy sauce and did 2 rolls … Mike did pretty much everything else!

Not going to win any sushi contests but not too bad, and it was certainly edible! Mike kept making his rolls too thick, and I rolled mine super-tight so the rice was really compacted and chewy. Whoops! Live and learn … there’s quite an art form to it.

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My go-to coping mechanism is burying myself in work. Thankfully, I was blessed with two projects to code up this weekend for Freckled Nest Design (♥), so I have plenty to be preoccupied with.

I’ve spent the afternoon holed up at Romolo’s cafe, surrounded by coffee and chocolate. I’ve discovered their caramel latte is to-die-for … and seriously, if you’re having a bad day, what better place could you go? (Coffee AND chocolate? HELLO.)

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Prize 1, a Hive + Honey fascinator, goes to … Ronni!

Prize 2, a print from Lady Hue, goes to … Michelle!
Prize 3, a second print from Lady Hue, goes to … Erica!

Prize 4, a locket necklace from Two Little Moos, goes to Toni!
(Toni, you need to start blogging!)

Prize 5, a Blog Bling Kit, goes to Cosmia!

I’ve emailed the winners, but if you didn’t receive the email, send me a message with your contact information so I can get your prizes sent to you!

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for non-Blogger sites. If you want to keep up with my blog after GFC shuts down, make sure to subscribe with Bloglovin’ or your favorite RSS reader!

Also, today is the LAST DAY to enter to win one of five prizes in my birthday giveaway. Show support for your favorite animal charity and enter to win!

Support an animal rescue and win! Click here for details.

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Hello there wonderful readers of Life in Beta!

I’m Chantilly. I’m a crazy cat lady, lifestyle blogger, and I write the best rainy day songs you’ve ever cried to.

Like most people in the blogosphere, I think of myself as a creative renaissance woman :P I have tons of interests. It all started with music and singing/ writing songs- but I also love cooking, design, diy projects, photography, and more! They’ve all started to roll into one for me.

Also like many designers, artists, and freelancers that make up the blogging population, I’ve never felt like I fit into the traditional mold of a “9-5 working girl.” I’ve had a thousand and one jobs, and have hated almost every single one…

except what I’m doing now, which is teaching private music lessons. It’s always a relief to do something related to the things you’re most passionate about. And it pays enough per hour so that I can focus on my life, spiritual practice, writing songs, goals, and projects…

Such as making my new EP!

While it’s true that I love most any activity involving creativity, me and music have been going steady or a really long time, and is probably my first love.

I spent a good chunk of last year recording five new songs with my college friend, Saul- a masterful producer. They are all pretty and shiny now, but I’m still working on the artwork and promotional planning. I also made a kickstarter to help fund the release, and it ended up being successful!

The last thing I’d say about myself, is that I’m a pretty determined person.

I’ve fallen so many times for so many reasons, but I always get back up and try again. I’d never get these things done if it wasn’t for me kicking my own butt. The things you want are possible! Find support where you can, and start making small plans. You’d be surprised where it takes you :)

Thank you so much to Mandi for letting me share her space today! If you’d like to know more, you can find me at any one of these places:

♥ Chantilly Songs ♥  Twitter ♥  Youtube ♥  Pinterest ♥

Have a wonderful day :)

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I wanted to share one of my favorite gifts … a jar of 30 rocks. (Get it? “30 Rocks!”)

driven, honest, stylish, witty, creative, talented, wise, blogger, silly, unique, individual, fun, quiet, smart, passionate, bashful, dynamic, quirky, introspective, loyal, shy, funny, kind, innovative, happy, curious, friendly, true, vivacious, energetic

A sweet coworker of mine put this together for me. Each rock has a word on it (listed above) that she felt describes me. It was fascinating to see the words she picked — and to get a little insight into how others perceive you!

P.S. Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to enter to win my 1 of 5 prizes in my big birthday giveaway: hair bows from Hive + Honey, a necklace from Two Little Moos, a prints from Lady Hue, or a Blog Bling Kit!

Support an animal rescue and win! Click here for details.

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Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have streaming Netflix, they have the whole first season available to view instantly. What are you waiting for!?

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Deanna Ogle (@deannaogle) is a writer and web designer from the greater Detroit area where she works at a small software firm. A few of her favorite things are carnations, hair dye, peanut butter, and bluegrass. When she is not working she can usually be found curled up with her husband watching movies. She blogs at Soul like a Spider and Provoketive Magazine.

Blog ♦ Twitter ♦ Tumblr ♦ Provoketive Magazine

Anywhere Is

I’m Ronni–a wife, mom, copy editor, avid reader, word nerd, doll collector, Disney World nut, night owl, and yogini. I love summertime and I hate snow. I eat spaghetti like it’s going out of style, and desserts that combine lemon and strawberry make me swoon. I blog about life and I post loads of pictures. Come over and get to know me! :)

Blog ♦ Pinterest ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter

Miss Kait Online

Hello everyone! I’m Kait, a Canadian gal who’s a blogger, graphic designer, stylist and entrepreneur! I’m obsessed with tea, vintage, handmade, and fashion. I’m also a firm believer that sandwiches taste better cut diagonally. I blog over at Miss Kait Online about all these things and more!

Blog ♦ Twitter ♦ Pinterest ♦ Bloglovin

Adventures of a Misfit Librarian

Adventures of a Misfit Librarian is my little blog where I write about my life and the adventures I have inside and outside of the library. I’m a snarky twenty-something year-old librarian from New York who loves books, zombies, photography, fashion, traveling, causing chaos and dying my hair odd colors. I hope you stop by, stay a while and enjoy the randomness that is my life.

Blog ♦ Twitter ♦ Pinterest

Whimsical Poppysmic

I am Chrissy from Whimsical Poppysmic the blog and the shop. I am mom to the most wonderful girl and married to my best friend. We live in the south of Germany to where we returned 6 months ago after living in Chicago for 3 years!

Blog ♦ Etsy ♦ Twitter ♦ Bloglovin

By the way, don’t you love all the adorable photo frames? They are all from Pugly Pixel‘s Blog Bling Kit … which just so happens to be one of the FIVE prizes that I’ll be giving away on March 1st. Don’t forget to check out all the prizes and enter to win by February 29th!

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